Cookware

ABSTRACT

A cookware assembly or set comprising or including at least one cookware vessel of a substantially square peripheral exterior and interior form when viewed in plan, wherein the vessel has an attachment location on at least one of the four sides, the attachment location being a relief in the vessel&#39;s rim suitable for handle engagement, and a handle selectively engageable at the or any one of the attachment locations, the handle with both proximal and distal end regions having a pair of jaw elements at the proximal region for facilitating engagement to an attachment location such that a first jaw of the jaw pair locates substantially inside the vessel and a second jaw of the jaw pair locates substantially outside of the vessel, and a lid able to fit on the cookware vessel and to close, or at least substantially close, the cookware vessel.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/806,750, filed Jun. 24, 2011, which is a U.S. National Phase under 35USC 371 of PCT Application No. PCT/IB2011/052768 filed Jun. 24, 2011,which claims priority to New Zealand Application No. 586407, filed Jun.24, 2010, and New Zealand Application No. 589454, filed Nov. 23, 2010,the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to cookware. More particularly but notexclusively it relates to space saving cookware.

BACKGROUND

Typical cookware items such as pots and pans with fixed handles aresometimes large and cumbersome and are difficult to stow efficiently. Insome situations, such as in apartments boats, caravans etc there may belimited space available to store cookware. Typical cookware does notlend itself for use in situations in which there is limited space forstorage.

It is an object of the present invention to provide improved cookwarewhich overcomes or at least partially ameliorates some of theabovementioned disadvantages or which at least provides the public witha useful choice

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect the present invention consists in a cookware assemblyor set comprising or including:

at least one cookware vessel of a substantially square peripheralexterior and interior form when viewed in plan, wherein the vessel hasan attachment location on at least one of the four sides, the attachmentlocation being a relief in the vessel's rim suitable for handleengagement, and

a handle selectively engageable at the or any one of said attachmentlocations, the handle with both proximal and distal end regions having apair of jaw elements at the proximal region for facilitating engagementto an attachment location such that a first jaw of the jaw pair locatessubstantially inside the vessel and a second jaw of the jaw pair locatessubstantially outside of the vessel, and a lid able to fit on thecookware vessel and to close, or at least substantially close, thecookware vessel.

Preferably the cookware vessel is of a form to enable nesting at leastin part with a like vessel of a smaller or larger size, if not alsopartially nestable with one of the same size.

Preferably a plurality of like cookware vessels may sequentially nest,one within the other in order of their size, for efficient stowage.

Preferably each cookware vessel may sequentially nest, one within theother in order of their size, even with a corresponding lid located oneach nested vessel.

Preferably each lid has a handle located substantially centrally of thelid body and has a grippable region extending upwardly substantiallybeyond the lid body, and a hollow region located below the grippableregion, wherein the hollow region is dimensioned so that it can receiveat least a portion of the grippable region of another like lid placedbeneath so as to prevent interference between the lid handle and anotherlid when a plurality of cookware vessels are sequentially nested withtheir lids located thereon.

Preferably the position of one or both jaws of the jaw pair may beadjusted between a locked condition where the jaws are closer togetherthan a further apart unlocked condition.

Preferably the handle has a lever to cause adjustment of the jawsbetween the locked and unlocked conditions.

Preferably the lever can articulate between at least two stableconditions, one of which positions corresponds to the locked conditionof the jaw pair, the other corresponding to the unlocked condition ofthe jaw pair. Preferably the articulation of the lever causes a slidingand/or otherwise guided member as a second jaw element to move relativeto a more proximal fixed jaw element.

Preferably the jaw pair are shaped such that they are complementary withthe attachment location to lock the handle to the vessel in a rigid,weight bearing manner.

Preferably the second jaw of the jaw pair engages under the relieffeature of the rim. Preferably the relief in the rim restricts movementof an attached handle along the rim of the vessel.

Preferably the lid includes a relief substantially on its periphery toaccommodate the handle when such is engaged at an attachment location.

Preferably the lid includes a slideable member able to encroach over therelief to reduce venting during cooking.

Preferably the slideable member can encroach over the relief to such anextent that the lid can substantially seal the vessel to which the lidis associated.

In another aspect the present invention consists in a handle suitablefor attachment to a cookware vessel, the handle comprising or including:

a pair of jaw elements at a proximal region of the handle,

an actuator to adjust the relative position of the pair of jaw elements,

wherein the relative position of the jaw elements facilitates attachmentof the handle to an attachment location provided as a relief in the rimof a cookware vessel such that a first jaw of the jaw pair locatessubstantially inside the vessel and a second jaw of the jaw pair locatessubstantially outside of the vessel .

Preferably the position of one or both jaws of the jaw pair may beadjusted between a locked condition where the jaws are closer togetherthan a further apart, unlocked condition. Preferably the actuator is alever to cause adjustment of the jaws between the locked and unlockedconditions.

Preferably the lever can articulate between at least two stableconditions, one of which positions corresponds to the locked conditionof the jaw pair, the other corresponding to the unlocked condition ofthe jaw pair.

Preferably the articulation of the lever causes a sliding and/orotherwise guided member as a second jaw element to move relative to amore proximal fixed jaw element.

Preferably the lever has a cam profile that engages the sliding member ,the arrangement being such that, via articulation of the lever, the camprofile can be pivoted outwardly from a condition that stably holds thesliding member in a locked condition closer to the first mentioned jawyet allows the retreat of the sliding member to an unlocked conditionunder the action of a bias when the cam is moved or urged away from thatcondition.

Preferably the sliding member is biased towards the cam profile of thelever.

Preferably the jaw pair are shaped such that they are complementary withthe attachment location of the cookware vessel to lock the handle to thevessel in a rigid, weight bearing manner.

In another aspect the present invention consists in a lid for, orsuitable for, a cookware vessel of a substantially square or rectangularperipheral exterior and interior form when viewed in plan, saveoptionally for rounded transitions between the adjacent sides, said lidbeing an assembly defining

a lid body having a relief on its periphery that accords to a centre ofa side of such a cookware vessel,

a slide or other moveable member carried by the lid body able to closethe relief, and

a handle feature of the lid carried by the lid body.

Preferably the handle is located substantially centrally of the lid bodyand has a grippable region extending upwardly substantially beyond thelid body, and a hollow region located below the grippable region,wherein the hollow region is dimensioned so that it can receive at leasta portion of the grippable region of another like lid placed beneath soas to prevent interference between the lid handle and another lid when aplurality of cookware vessels are sequentially nested with their lidslocated thereon.

Preferably the slideable member can encroach over the relief to such anextent that the lid can substantially seal a vessel to which the lid isassociated.

In another aspect the present invention consists in a cookware vesselthat includes at least one handle attachment location defined on the rimof the vessel, the handle attachment location being suitable forselective attachment of a handle, wherein the handle attachment locationis recessed from the surrounding rim to restrict movement of an attachedhandle along the rim of the vessel.

Preferably the cookware vessel is of a form to enable nesting at leastin part with a like vessel of a smaller or larger size, if not alsopartially nestable with one of the same size.

Preferably a plurality of like cookware vessels may sequentially nest,one within the other in order of their size, even with a correspondinglid located on each vessel.

In another aspect the present invention consists in a cookware assemblyor set comprising two or more cookware vessels and lids corresponding toeach cookware vessel, wherein each lidded cookware vessel issequentially nested, or may sequentially nest, one within the other, oranother, in order of their size in an efficient manner.

Preferably a handle engageable to either, or any, of the vessels islocated in the smaller or smallest vessel.

In a another aspect aspect the present invention is, in combination oras a set, at least one cookware vessel of a substantially squareperipheral exterior and interior form when viewed in plan, optionallyand preferably having rounded transitions between the adjacent sides,and of a form nestable at least in part with a like vessel of a smalleror larger size, if not also partially nestable with one of the samesize, and wherein the vessel has a attachment location for handleengagement on at least two of the four sides, and a handle selectivelyengageable at any one of said attachment locations by placing a jaw ofits jaw pair inside the vessel and the complementary jaw outside of thevessel thereby to cantilever or otherwise carry the vessel's weight, orat least part of its weight, from the handle.

Preferably the jaws of the jaw pair are moveable in a longitudinaldirection with respect to one another to facilitate attachment andlocking of the handle to the vessel.

Preferably the jaws of the jaw pair are shaped such that they arecomplementary with the attachment location to lock the handle to thevessel in a rigid, weight bearing manner.

Preferably the more outward of the jaws of the jaw pairs is latchedand/or biased to keep a shoulder (or equivalent) under a lip or otherfeature of the location zone outwardly of the vessel which presents aco-acting shoulder (or equivalent) in the other direction. Preferablythe location is provided by a set down from the side.

In another aspect the invention consists in, in combination, as asubassembly or as an assembly,

at least one cookware vessel of substantially square or rectangularperipheral exterior and corresponding interior form when viewed in plan,optionally having rounded transitions between the adjacent sides, and ofa form having at least one side provided with a relief in a rim featurein order to accommodate a complementary handle feature,

a lid able to fit on the cookware vessel and to close, or at leastsubstantially close, the cookware vessel, and

a handle selectively engageable to the cookware vessel at the region ofsaid rim relief but at least in part intrusively of part of the generalenvelope of the lid, or the vessel to be lidded, when viewed in plan.

Preferably the lid includes a moveable member able to cover the gap fromthe general envelope of the lid in plan to an extent necessary to closeany vent opening between either or both (i) the lid body proper and anyinserted handle or (ii) the lid body proper and the relief in said rimfeature, or (iii) both.

Preferably said relief in the rim feature of at least one side isrepeated on at least one other side but there is substantial sealing ofat least one such relief feature past the lever.

Preferably the relief is of a form herein depicted.

Preferably the cookware has, as its rim, a form defining an outwarddownwardly facing shoulder below a peripheral upper plateau (save forthe zones lowered to provide for optional handle location), and aninwardly facing surface from the peripheral upper plateau down to anupwardly facing ledge on which a lid can or is to (directly orindirectly) seat.

In another aspect the present invention may broadly consist in acookware vessel that includes at least one handle attachment zonedefined on the rim of the vessel, the handle attachment zone beingsuitable for selective attachment of a handle, wherein the handleattachment zone is recessed from the surrounding rim to restrictmovement of an attached handle along the rim of the vessel.

Preferably the vessel is suitable for the attachment of handles of atype that include:

a knob at one end of the handle body,

a tongue member extending from the handle body at the same end as theknob to define a slot between the tongue member and the knob,

wherein the relative position of the tongue member and the knobfacilitates attachment of the handle to the attachment zone of thecookware vessel.

Preferably the handle attachment zone is suitable to be received in theslot of a handle.

Preferably a handle attachment zone is positioned on each side of thevessel.

Preferably, when attached to a said handle, at least some of the weightof the vessel is cantilevered from the handle due to the attachment ofthe handle and the vessel.

Preferably the knob and tongue are shaped such that they arecomplementary with the attachment zone to lock the handle to the vesselin a rigid, weight bearing manner.

Preferably said cookware vessel is of a shape such that it canefficiently nest with like cookware vessels when no handles are attachedthereto.

Preferably the vessel is manufactured from one of the followingcombination of materials:

-   -   stainless steel exterior (magnetized for induction), copper or        aluminium inside and a stainless steel interior, or    -   stainless steel with an aluminium base (disk) stamped on, or    -   annodised aluminium exterior and stainless steel interior.

Preferably the vessel is Teflon coated.

In another aspect the invention consists in a lid for, or suitable for,a cookware vessel having a general envelope to contact (directly orindirectly) that accords to a cookware vessel of substantially square orrectangular peripheral exterior and interior form when viewed in plan,save optionally for rounded transitions between the adjacent sides, saidlid being an assembly defining

-   -   a lid body having a relief from one perimeter of its envelope        that accords to a centre of a side of such a cookware vessel,

a slide or other moveable member carried by the lid body able to closethe relief from the general envelope of the lid, and

a handle feature of the lid carried by the lid body.

Preferably the lid is of a form as hereinafter described.

In a further aspect the invention consists in a handle suitable forattachment to a cookware vessel, said handle being of the formsubstantially as hereinafter described with or without reference to anyone, some or all of the accompanying drawings.

In yet a further aspect the invention consists in a handle suitable forattachment to a cookware vessel, the handle having an articulatingmember biased by a bias means whereby it can assume at least two stableconditions, one of which positions holds a sliding and/or otherwiseguided member as a second jaw element in closer proximity to a moredistal fixed jaw element.

Preferably the arrangement is substantially as hereinafter described.

In still a further aspect the invention consists in a handle assemblycomprising or including

two handle components to define a handle housing and a distal jawcomponent (whether present in both of them or only one of them),

a slide able to reciprocate as a complementary jaw component for saiddistal jaw,

a cam member pivoted from the housing, and

means to bias the slide towards the cam member, the arrangement beingsuch that the cam member can be pivoted outwardly from a condition thatstably holds the slide in a utensil gripping position more proximate tothe first mentioned jaw yet allows the retreat of the slide under theaction of the bias when the cam is moved or urged away from thatcondition.

In another aspect the present invention consists in a handle suitablefor attachment to a cookware vessel, the handle comprising or including:

a knob at one end of the handle body, a tongue member extending from thehandle body at the same end as the knob to define a slot between thetongue member and the knob,

wherein the relative position of the tongue member and the knobfacilitates attachment of the handle to an attachment zone of a cookwarevessel.

Preferably the relative position of the tongue and the knob can beadjusted to lock and unlock the handle to a cookware vessel.

Preferably adjustment of the tongue with respect to the knob is in thelongitudinal direction relative to the handle body.

Preferably positioning of the tongue with respect to the knob is biasedbut manipulatable by user input.

Preferably the rim of a cookware vessel can be received in the slot toattach the handle to the vessel.

Preferably a complementary attachment zone of the rim of a cookwarevessel is received by the slot.

In another aspect the present invention consists in a lid for a cookwarevessel, the lid including a removable band that can be positioned aboutits perimeter, wherein the band can be fitted to the lid in order tocreate an airtight seal when the lid is positioned in or onto acomplementary cookware vessel.

Preferably the band is removed whilst the cookware vessel is used forcooking, and fitted whiles the cookware vessel is used for storing food.

Preferably the band is silicone rubber.

Preferably the band, when fitted, covers an air vent in the lid.

In another aspect the present invention consists in a cookware vesselsubstantially as herein described with reference to any one or more ofthe accompanying drawings.

In another aspect the present invention consists in a handle suitablefor a cookware vessel substantially as herein described with referenceto any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

In another aspect the present invention consists in a lid for a cookwarevessel substantially as herein described with reference to any one ormore of the accompanying drawings.

Other aspects of the invention may become apparent from the followingdescription which is given by way of example only and with reference tothe accompanying drawings.

As used herein the term “and/or” means “and” or “or”, or both.

As used herein “(s)” following a noun means the plural and/or singularforms of the noun.

As used in this specification the term “square” when used to describecookware vessels should be interpreted as meaning substantially square.It may include other quadrilateral forms such as rectangular forms andmay include forms that have rounded edges between adjacent sides.

The term “comprising” as used in this specification means “consisting atleast in part of”. When interpreting statements in this specificationwhich include that term, the features, prefaced by that term in eachstatement, all need to be present but other features can also bepresent. Related terms such as “comprise” and “comprised” are to beinterpreted in the same manner.

The entire disclosures of all applications, patents and publications,cited above and below, if any, are hereby incorporated by reference.

This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts,elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification ofthe application, individually or collectively, and any or allcombinations of any two or more of said parts, elements or features, andwhere specific integers are mentioned herein which have knownequivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such knownequivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually setforth.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described by way of example only and withreference to the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a cookware vessel with a handle attached,

FIG. 2 shows an alternative cookware vessel with a handle attached,

FIG. 3 shows a plan view of the vessel of FIG. 1, and shows the locationof the cross section A-A,

FIG. 4 shows a side view of the vessel of FIG. 1,

FIG. 5 shows a cross section view through A-A of the vessel of FIG. 1,

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the vessel of FIG. 1,

FIG. 7 shows a plan view of the vessel of FIG. 2, and shows the locationof the cross section B-B,

FIG. 8 shows a front view of the vessel of FIG. 2,

FIG. 9 shows a side view of the vessel of FIG. 2,

FIG. 10 shows a cross section view through B-B of the vessel of FIG. 1,

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the vessel of FIG. 1,

FIG. 12 shows a top view of a handle suitable for a cookware vessel 1,

FIG. 13 shows a front view of the handle of FIG. 12,

FIG. 14 shows a side view of the handle of FIG. 12,

FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of the handle of FIG. 12

FIG. 16 shows a lid for a vessel with a removable band around itsperimeter, and

FIG. 17 shows the removable band for use with the lid of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is an exploded view of yet a different embodiment of handle, onerequiring a bias and an over centre capability for a cam acting also asa lever,

FIG. 19 is a side elevation view of a handle assembled from thecomponents as in FIG. 18 when viewed in side elevation,

FIG. 20 is a view of the handle of FIG. 19 when viewed in perspectivefrom below,

FIG. 21 is a view from below of the handle of FIGS. 19 and 20,

FIG. 22 is an end view of the handle of FIGS. 19 to 21,

FIG. 22A and FIG. 22B show a handle substantially of the construction asin FIGS. 18 to 21 (in the case of FIG. 22A) in its dipping condition,and (in the case of FIG. 22B) in its levered open condition (the springnot being shown) which allows the biased retreat of the secondary jawmember to act as a jaw or as a jaw-like insertion under a shoulder ofthe vessel,

FIG. 23 is a set of cookware in accordance with the present inventionhaving a lidding feature and showing two handles more or less asdepicted in the preceding drawings fitted to two of the cookware items,

FIG. 24 is an enlarged view of one of the assemblies of FIG. 23, and

FIG. 25 shows a series of drawings of a lid showing the componentsthereof which allow a vent closing feature to be moved back and forthfrom a fully or near fully open or withdrawn condition to the perimeterof the general envelope of the lid (where it closes any venting) inorder to vent and/or allow the fitment and/or retention (or the removal)of a handle and/or prevent venting.

FIG. 26A shows an alternative handle assembly shown in the lockedcondition,

FIG. 26B shows the handle assembly of 26A shown in the unlockedcondition,

FIG. 27 shows an exploded view of the handle of FIG. 26A and 26B,

FIG. 28 shows a view of the handle of FIG. 27,

FIG. 29 shows an assembly view of a cookware vessel and an associatedhandle and lid,

FIG. 30 shows a plurality of like lidded cookware vessels nesting forefficient stowage, and

FIG. 31 shows a plurality of like lidded cookware vessels nesting forefficient stowage with a handle located inside the innermost cookwarevessel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to FIG. 1 there is shown a cookware vessel 1 of thepresent invention. The vessel 1 may be of a shape such that it caneasily nest with other, like vessels 1. This will enable the efficientstorage of a set of vessels 1 which may be particularly important insituations where storage space is at a premium such as in apartments,boats, caravans etc. In the preferred embodiment the vessel 1 is of agenerally square plan shape with rounded corners as shown in FIG. 1.

The cookware vessel 1 may be manufactured from any suitable material orcombination of materials. Possible combinations of materials areoutlined below:

-   -   stainless steel exterior (magnetized for induction), copper or        aluminium inside and a stainless steel interior, or    -   stainless steel with an aluminium base (disk) stamped on, or    -   annodised aluminium exterior and stainless steel interior.

It should be appreciated that other combinations of materials may alsobe used. The cookware vessel 1 may or may not include a coating layersuch as Teflon or similar. The cookware vessel 1 may or may not besuitable for induction cooking.

The cookware vessel 1 includes at least one handle attachment location 2which may be an indent in the rim of the vessel 1. Preferably there arefour handle attachment locations 2 which are located centrally of eachside of the vessel 1. The handle attachment locations 2 are suitable forremovable attachment of the handle 3.

When the vessel 1 is not in use, it may be stored in an efficient mannerwith other, like vessels 1 by removing the handle 3 from the attachmentlocation and nesting the vessel 1 with the other like vessels 1. Thecomplementary shape of the other, like vessels 1 enables the nesting.

FIG. 2 shows an alternatively shaped vessel 1 which may be used as afrying pan for example. The vessel 1 of FIG. 2 only differs in itsshape, it may be manufactured from the same materials and may alsoinclude four handle attachment locations 2.

FIGS. 3 to 6 show different views of an exemplary cookware vessel 1 ofFIG. 1 without the handle 3 attached to an attachment location 2.

FIGS. 7 to 11 show different views of an exemplary vessel 1 (i.e. afrying pan) of FIG. 2 without the handle 3 attached to an attachmentlocation 2.

The handle 3 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 12 to 15. The handle 3 mayinclude a die cast tongue 4 and knob 5. The tongue 4 and knob 5 arepositioned relative to one another in a way to facilitate attachment ofthe handle 3 to an attachment location 2 of a vessel 1. When the handle3 is attached to the attachment location 2 it is not able to slide alongthe rim 6 of the vessel 1, this is due to the attachment location 2being recessed slightly from the rim 6 that surrounds it.

The tongue 4 may be moveable with respect to the knob 5 to allow forattachment to the attachment location 2. Once positioned on theattachment location, relative movement between the tongue 4 and the knob5 may allow for locking of the handle to the vessel 1.

With reference to FIG. 16 there is shown a lid 7 suitable for use with avessel 1. The lid may include a band 8 which may be placed around theedge of the lid 7. The band 8 may be silicone or another similarmaterial and helps create a seal with the vessel 1. Sealing the vessel 1may be particularly important for creating an air tight environment forstoring food inside the vessel 1.

The lid 7 may be stainless steel or other suitable material and mayinclude a vent 9, which allows for the venting of gases from the vessel1 during cooking (i.e. when the band 8 is not located on the lid 7). Theband 8 covers the lid vent 9 when it is located on the lid 7.

The lid 7 may also include a handle 10. The banded lid can be used tocover the vessel during cooling and refrigeration thereby to ensure apartial vacuum can develop above the vessel contained foodstuff.

An alternative embodiment of the handle of the present invention willnow be described with reference to FIGS. 18 to 22B.

FIG. 18 shows complementary and preferably mirror imaged componentshowever able to be held together to define by preferably a region 12 ofeach a proximal jaw.

Each of the components 11 when held together in the assembled form suchas shown by any suitable screws or other means is adapted to guidablylocate a slide 13 and a cam lever 14 to be located by its pivot 15 witha pin 16 from regions such as 17 from each of the components 11. Springs18 are to act on formations 19 of the slide at one end and on the pin 16at the other end.

The nose region 20 of the lever is a transition point between twosubstantially stable conditions for the over centred spring actionbetween the lever and the slide 13 such that when in the condition asshown in FIG. 22A there is stability that accords with gripping of acookware component and there is no tendency for the lever to fall awayand such that when in the condition as shown in FIG. 22B (the springsnot being shown for ease of depiction) is stable in a condition able tobe disengaged from a cookware vessel or to be inserted into suchcookware vessel.

FIGS. 23 and 24 show that the vessel 1, even when lidded, can be used ina vented or non-vented manner by a lid assembly.

FIGS. 25 show a lid assembly in accordance with the present inventionwhere a lid assembly 21 has a slide (eg. of plastics material or ametal) actuable under the knob member 22 to encroach over the scallopedaway region which is a relief 23 of the lid body proper 24 so as toreduce venting between the region of the handle (in that case departingsomewhat from that previously described). As can be seen the knob 22 canbe used to move the associated slide 25 from a condition that does notencroach upon the relief 23 to a position as in to the right in FIG. 25where the whole of the relief 23 has been sealed by part of the slide25.

In an alternative, preferred embodiment of the handle 3 a single spring30 may be provided internally of the slidable member 13 to bias theslideably member towards the nose region 20 of the lever 14. FIG. 26Acorresponds with a locked condition in which the jaw pair 12 and 13 arecloser together. FIG. 26B corresponds with an unlocked condition inwhich the jaw pair 12 and 13 are further apart.

The lever 14 is articulatable between two stable conditions,corresponding to the locked and unlocked conditions of the jaw pair 12and 13. A cam profile exists adjacent the nose region 20 of the lever 14such that as the lever 14 pivots between its two stable conditions theposition of the slide 13 is adjusted. The slide 13 on which the camprofile acts can be caused to slide, against the bias of the spring 30,to the locked condition of FIG. 26A, and can be biased to the unlockedcondition of 26 B when the cam profiled of the nose region moves toposition shown in FIG. 26B.

A lever release button 31 may be provided to cause the lever 13 topivot. Alternatively, the lever may be pushed down at its end region 32to cause the pivoting. A sleeve 33 may be provided on the inside of thefixed jaw 12 along with inserts 34 that may be provided on the end ofthe sliding member 13. The sleeve 33 and inserts 34 will engage with thevessel 1 when a handle is used to grip a vessel 1 and is in the lockedcondition. The sleeve and inserts may be made of silicon or any othersuitable material.

With reference to FIG. 27 an exploded view of the preferred handleassembly is shown. The various parts and preferred materials for thoseparts are listed below:

3—handle body (nylon).

14—lever (nylon).

20—nose region (stainless steel).

13—sliding member of the jaw pair (stainless steel).

12—fixed jaw (stainless steel).

31—lever release button 31 (stainless steel)

33—fixed jaw sleeve (silicon)

34—sliding member inserts (silicon)

It should be appreciated that the handle 3 may be assembled in adifferent manner and from different components as shown with referenceto FIG. 27. It should also be appreciated that the materials of thecomponents may differ from what is listed above, as would be apparent toa person skilled in the art.

FIG. 28 shows the preferred handle 3 fully assembled.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate how handle assemblies forexample as shown in FIG. 28 can be engaged to the attachment location 2of cookware vessels.

FIG. 29 shows a cookware vessel 1 with an associated handle 3 and lidassembly 21. It should be appreciated that the handle 3 is suitable forattachment to any of the attachment locations 2 of the cookware vesseland indeed any attachment location 2 of a like cookware vesselirrespective of its size. Once a handle is located on a cookware vessel1, the associated lid 21 may be placed onto the vessel such that therelief 23 corresponds with the attachment location 2 where the handle islocated. The knob 22 can then be used to adjust the slide 25 dependingon the amount of venting that is desired. When no handle is attached toa cookware vessel, the slide 25 of a lid 21 can be adjusted tosubstantially close the relief 23. Such a lid 21 can then be placed on acorresponding vessel to substantially seal the vessel.

With reference to FIGS. 30 and 31 it is evident that the cookwarevessels, lid assembly 21 and handle of the present invention allow forefficient nesting of the various components. The cookware vessels 1 maysequentially nest, in order of their size, for efficient stowage. Evenwith their associated lid 21 located thereon, the lidded vessels cannest efficiently as shown in FIGS. 30 and 31.

To enable efficient lidded nesting of the cookware vessels, the lids 21may be provided with handles 34 that define upwardly extending grippableregions 35 and hollow regions 36 located substantially below thegrippable regions 35. Preferably the hollow regions 36 of the handles 34are complementary with the form of the main lid body when a handle isattached thereto. In this respect, the main lid body may have a convexportion centrally of a concave portion. The convex portion beingsuitable for accepting the hollow region 36 of a handle when such ahandle is attached thereto.

When the lidded cookware vessels are sequentially nested, as shown inFIGS. 30 and 31, the grippable region 35 of an inner nested vessel maybe at least partially received in the hollow region 36 of a moreoutwardly nested vessel. This may reduce interference between the lidsand therefore allows for efficient nesting of a set of cookware vesselsand their associated lids.

The handle 3 may fit within the most inwardly nested vessel as shown inFIG. 31.

It is envisaged that sets of two or more cookware vessels may beprovided with correspondingly sized lids and a handle. Such a set hasthe benefit whereby the handle can be used on any of the vessels of theset, and the lidded vessels may nest for efficient stowage as shown inFIGS. 30 and 31. Such a cookware set lends itself to situations wherestorage space is at a premium such as in apartments, boats, caravansetc.

Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to elementsor integers having known equivalents, then such equivalents are includedas if they were individually set forth.

Although the invention has been described by way of example and withreference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood thatmodifications and/or improvements may be made without departing from thescope or spirit of the invention.

1. (canceled)
 2. A cookware vessel of a substantially square peripheralexterior and interior form that includes at least one handle attachmentlocation defined on the rim of the vessel, the handle attachmentlocation being suitable for selective attachment of a handle, whereinthe handle attachment location is recessed from the surrounding rim torestrict movement of an attached handle along the rim of the vessel. 3.A cookware vessel as claimed in claim 2 wherein the cookware vessel isof a form to enable nesting at least in part with a like vessel of asmaller or larger size, if not also partially nestable with one of thesame size.
 4. A cookware vessel as claimed in claim 2 wherein aplurality of like cookware vessels may sequentially nest, one within theother in order of their size, even with a corresponding lid located oneach vessel.
 5. A cookware assembly or set comprising two or morecookware vessels of a substantially square peripheral exterior andinterior form, and lids corresponding to each cookware vessel, whereineach lidded cookware vessel is sequentially nested, or may sequentiallynest, one within the other, or another, in order of their size in anefficient manner.
 6. A cookware assembly or set as claimed in claim 5wherein a handle engageable to either, or any, of the vessels is locatedin the smaller or smallest vessel.
 7. A cookware assembly or setcomprising or including: at least one cookware vessel of a substantiallysquare peripheral exterior and interior form when viewed in plan,wherein the vessel has an attachment location on at least one of thefour sides, the attachment location being a relief in the vessel's rimsuitable for handle engagement, and a handle selectively engageable atthe or any one of said attachment locations, the handle with bothproximal and distal end regions having a pair of jaw elements at theproximal region for facilitating engagement to an attachment locationsuch that a first jaw of the jaw pair locates substantially inside thevessel and a second jaw of the jaw pair locates substantially outside ofthe vessel, and a lid able to fit on the cookware vessel and to close,or at least substantially close, the cookware vessel.
 8. A cookwareassembly or set as claimed in claim 7 wherein the cookware vessel is ofa form to enable nesting at least in part with a like vessel of asmaller or larger size, if not also partially nestable with one of thesame size.
 9. A cookware assembly or set as claimed in claim 7 wherein aplurality of like cookware vessels may sequentially nest, one within theother in order of their size, for efficient stowage, and optionally maynest, one within the other in order of their size, even with acorresponding lid located on each nested vessel.
 10. A cookware assemblyor set as claimed in claim 7 wherein the second jaw of the jaw pairengages under the relief feature of the rim.
 11. A cookware assembly orset as claimed claim 7 wherein the lid includes a relief substantiallyon its periphery to accommodate the handle when such is engaged at anattachment location.
 12. A handle suitable for attachment to a cookwarevessel as claimed in claim 2, the handle comprising or including: a pairof jaw elements at a proximal region of the handle, an actuator toadjust the relative position of the pair of jaw elements, wherein therelative position of the jaw elements facilitates attachment of thehandle to an attachment location provided as a relief in the rim of acookware vessel such that a first jaw of the jaw pair locatessubstantially inside the vessel and a second jaw of the jaw pair locatessubstantially outside of the vessel.
 13. A handle as claimed in claim 12wherein the position of one or both jaws of the jaw pair may be adjustedbetween a locked condition where the jaws are closer together than afurther apart, unlocked condition.
 14. A handle as claimed in claim 13wherein the actuator is a lever to cause adjustment of the jaws betweenthe locked and unlocked conditions.
 15. A handle as claimed in claim 14wherein the lever can articulate between at least two stable conditions,one of which positions corresponds to the locked condition of the jawpair, the other corresponding to the unlocked condition of the jaw pair.16. A handle as claimed in claim 15 wherein the articulation of thelever causes a sliding and/or otherwise guided member as a second jawelement to move relative to a more proximal fixed jaw element.
 17. Ahandle as claimed in claim 12 wherein the jaw pair are shaped such thatthey are complementary with the attachment location of the cookwarevessel to lock the handle to the vessel in a rigid, weight bearingmanner.
 18. A lid for, or suitable for, a cookware vessel of claim 2,being a vessel of a substantially square or rectangular peripheralexterior and interior form when viewed in plan, save optionally forrounded transitions between the adjacent sides, said lid being anassembly defining a lid body having a relief on its periphery thataccords to a centre of a side of such a cookware vessel, a slide orother moveable member carried by the lid body able to close the relief,and a handle feature of the lid carried by the lid body.
 19. A lid asclaimed in claim 18 wherein the handle is located substantiallycentrally of the lid body and has a grippable region extending upwardlysubstantially beyond the lid body, and a hollow region located below thegrippable region, wherein the hollow region is dimensioned so that itcan receive at least a portion of the grippable region of another likelid placed beneath so as to prevent interference between the lid handleand another lid when a plurality of cookware vessels are sequentiallynested with their lids located thereon.
 20. A lid as claimed in claim 18wherein the slideable member can encroach over the relief to such anextent that the lid can substantially seal a vessel to which the lid isassociated.